Essential Diaper Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Every Outing

Heading out with your baby and introducing them to the world is an exciting experience! However, the preparation for these outings can sometimes feel overwhelming. It can become even more stressful when you realize you're not fully equipped for the day. This is why a quality diaper bag should be a staple on every baby registry, boasting numerous pockets for organization. The abundance of pockets in these bags serves a purpose: to ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips. Being fully prepared for every outing is key to enjoying every precious moment with your little one. And it all starts with mastering the art of packing a diaper bag!

While it might seem like a simple task, thoughtful packing – ensuring you have just enough and not too much – is a skill that develops over the first year with your baby. To help ease the process, we've created a diaper bag checklist. This checklist will take the guesswork out of packing, allowing parents to stay fully organized and prepared from their very first outing and beyond!

 

What should I pack in my diaper bag? 

We've assembled a comprehensive diaper bag essentials checklist, categorized to cater to all situations when you're out and about with your baby, from feeding to diaper changes.

Pro-Tip: Allocate dedicated space within the diaper bag for each category!

For Diaper Changes:

• Portable Changing Pad
• Diapers 
• Portable Wipe Dispenser with Wipes
• Disposable Diaper Bags
• Diaper Cream
• Baby Lotion
• Extra Outfit
• Extra Onsie (at least one!)

For Feeding:

• Formula
• Bottles
• Bottles with Breast Milk in Cooler Bag
• Bib
• Burp Bloth
• Nursing Cover
• Baby Food
• Baby Spoon
• Mess Bag

To Keep Baby Happy!

• Pacifier (at least 2!)
• Pacifier Clip
• Pacifier Wipes
• Age Appropriate Toys (Rattle, Lovey, soft book, ect)
• Snacks (for toddler)

For Protection:

• Sunscreen
• Hand Sanitizer
• Light Blanket
• Hat (weather appropriate)
• Small First Aid Kit

For Happy Caregiveer:

• Bottle of Water (especially for nursing moms)
• Extra Shirt (Spit-ups happen!)
• Snacks
• Wallet
• Keys
• Phone
• Phone Charger

What diaper bags should I consider?

Choosing the right diaper bag ultimately comes down to personal preference and how much space parents anticipate needing for outings with their baby! Backpack diaper bags are excellent for parents who do a lot of walking with their baby. Many stroller manufacturers also offer diaper bags that match their stroller lines and come in the same colorways. Some even offer attachments to safely hang the corresponding diaper bags from the stroller! Check out our list of favorites below!

• Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag
• Freshly Picked Seoul Backpack
• Freshly Picked Mini Classic Diaper Bag
• JuJuBe Million Pockets Deluxe Backpack - UpScale
• JuJuBe Zealous Backpack - Black Chromatics
• Bugaboo Changing Backpack
• Nuna Diaper Bag
• UPPAbaby Changing Backpack

 

Check out our full Diaper Bag Assortment >>>here

What should I pack in my diaper bag for diaper changes on the go?

The obvious staple in your diaper bag will be diapers! Consider the duration of your outing with your baby. For short trips lasting a couple of hours, a few diapers may suffice. However, for full-day outings, it's wise to pack extra. Pro-Tip: always pack a couple more diapers than you anticipate needing!

A portable wipe dispenser is also crucial! Leave the bulky pack of wipes at home and only take enough to last you through the day. This will save space in your bag for all the other essentials.

Pro-Tip: Fold your portable changing mat around your portable wipe dispenser and one diaper. Pop your diaper cream in there too! When your baby is ready for a diaper change, you won't have to search your bag for everything you need – simply grab the mat, and you're ready to go!

Diaper blow-outs happen, and while inconvenient, they should be expected. One of the most important items to pack is an extra outfit for baby and at least one spare onesie. Onesies fold small and don't occupy much space. If you can't fit a full set of clothes, make sure you at least have an extra onesie on hand! You may want to store that extra onsie rolled up within your portable changing mat, keeping it close by during diaper changes!

What  should I pack in my diaper bag for feeding on the go?

If you're out for an extended period of time, chances are your baby will get hungry along the way. Even if you don't plan on being out during feeding time, it's always wise to pack at least one meal. You never know what delays you might encounter.

Whether you're a nursing mama or opt for formula feeding, we have some pro-tips for you!

For feeding in general, make sure to pack at least one bib and burp cloth to help manage messes on the go.

Nursing moms should pack a nursing cover and consider including a set of nursing pads and nipple cream for their own comfort. If breast milk is served out of a bottle, here's a Pro-Tip: Fill the bottle with breast milk before leaving for the outing. Opt for a cooler storage bag that can clip to the carry straps of the diaper bag and hang on the outside. This ensures it doesn't take up space inside the bag!

Moms who are nursing on the go should also remember to pack water for themselves. Staying hydrated during nursing sessions is crucial for their own well-being!

Pro-Tip: For formula feeding families: Measure out the formula and pour it into empty bottles before leaving for the outing. When feeding time comes, only water needs to be added! Make sure to pack the appropriate water separately as well!

If your little one has moved on to solid food, packing store-bought baby food is convenient! You may also want to pack an extra bib as these feedings can be messy. Don't forget a baby-sized spoon! Pro-Tip: Pack a small baggie to put the used spoon and bib into so they don't make a mess of the diaper bag!

For parents planning to take along homemade baby food, utilize the cooler bag tip mentioned earlier!

What should  I pack in my diaper bag to keep baby happy on the go?

Pacifiers are excellent for soothing babies! A pacifier clip is a great way to ensure that your baby always has access to their pacifier. However, even with clips, pacifiers can still get lost. Clips might get pulled off, or the pacifiers themselves can become unsecured from the clip, leaving parents to watch seemingly in slow motion as the beloved pacifier hits the ground! To save the day in these moments, keep a stash of pacifiers and an extra pacifier clip in the diaper bag. Store them in pacifier travel cases or a baggie to keep them clean within the diaper bag. Pro-Tip: Pack extra pacifiers in easy-to-access outer pockets – you'll want to keep these close! 

Keeping small toys in the diaper bag can keep your baby entertained on the go. Small rattles, soft books, or their favorite lovey are smart go-tos. Swap out the toys as your baby develops and their interests change!

What should I pack in my diaper bag to keep baby protected from weather on the go?

Pack temperature-appropriate clothing articles, such as an extra hat and dress baby in layers. Newborns should always have a hat to prevent heat loss through their head. Opt for winter hats in colder months and sun hats for babies out in warmer weather for sun protection. Additionally, sunscreen is a wise addition to keep on hand in the diaper bag!

Pro Tip: Regardless of the temperature or weather, a lightweight blanket is a key necessity to keep packed in the diaper bag. They provide a ton of utility – obviously as the comfort of a lightweight blanket for baby. They can also act as a nursing cover, burp cloth, changing mat, or even a barrier when laying baby down on any surface.

Pro-Tip: Pack a travel-size first aid kit, especially when on the go with toddlers!

How should I organize my diaper bag?

Keeping a well-organized diaper bag is crucial for an enjoyable day out with baby! Utilize all the pockets and compartments. Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid to add more pouches into your bag. Every item should have a home! Organize the diaper bag in sections: keep all feeding gear together and all diaper changing items together. Use exterior pockets to house essentials you will need easy access to, such as pacifiers and personal items like cellphones, wallets, and keys. Leave the purse at home and funnel everything into the one diaper bag!

Pro-Tip: As tired as you may be upon arriving home with your baby, make it a habit to immediately unpack and restock your bag! Many staples can live inside the diaper bag, such as toys for on the go, travel-sized diaper cream, sunscreen, and baby lotion. Refill the portable wipe container, replace any used diapers, and if you used your backup clothes, replace the extra onesie, etc. Starting these habits from the first outing with your baby will ensure they become second nature as your journey with your baby progresses. Parents will quickly become experts in diaper bag packing!